If you believe that you are what you eat, this is especially true for your teeth and gums. When you consume starchy or sugary meals and beverages, you are not only nourishing yourself, but you are also nourishing others. You're also nourishing the germs (bacteria) in your mouth that may lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. In bacteria and other materials, plaque forms a thin, invisible, sticky film on the surface of the body. It coats the whole surface of each and every one of your teeth. The formation of acids occurs when sugars or starches in your mouth come into contact with dental plaque. These acids might continue to destroy your teeth for up to 20 minutes after you have finished eating. Repeated assaults on the teeth' strong enamel might cause the enamel to deteriorate over time. Tooth decay happens as a result of this. Plaque contains bacteria that stimulates an inflammatory response as well. The gums, bone, and other supporting elements of your teeth are destroyed as a result of this.
Some foods are known to cause tooth decay. Other foods may aid in the prevention of plaque accumulation. The following are some foods to seek out and other meals to steer clear of.
Those who are on the right side of history.
Here are a few suggestions for foods:
- Fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre. According to the American Dental Association, foods high in fibre aid to keep your teeth and gums clean (ADA). They also cause salivation to flow. This is your greatest natural protection against cavities and gum disease, second only to proper at-home oral hygiene practises. Approximately 20 minutes after you consume food that contains sugars or starches, your saliva starts to work to mitigate the effects of the acids and enzymes that are destroying your tooth enamel. Calcium and phosphate are found in tiny amounts in saliva. As a result, it helps to restore minerals to parts of the teeth that have been stripped of them by bacterial acids.
- Dairy items include cheese, milk, simple yoghurt, and other dairy products. Cheese is another saliva-producing food. The calcium and phosphates found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products assist to restore minerals to your teeth that may have been lost as a result of other foods you eat. They also aid in the regeneration of tooth enamel.
- Green and black teas are available. Both of these teas include polyphenols, which are known to interact with plaque microorganisms. Bacteria are either killed or held back by these chemicals. This inhibits the growth of germs and the production of acid that damages teeth. A cup of tea may also be a source of fluoride, depending on the sort of water you use to boil your beverage.
- Chewing gum that has no sugar. Using this product can help you produce more saliva and eliminate food particles from your mouth.
- Fluoride-containing foods Fluoridated drinking water, as well as any product that contains fluoridated water, is beneficial to your teeth. Powdered juices (as long as they don't include a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups are examples of what is allowed. Fluoride may also be found in commercially prepared meals, such as chicken products, shellfish, and powdered cereals, among other things.
Stay away from the following:
- Candies and sweets that stick to your teeth. Sweets that dissolve fast in your mouth are preferable if you indulge in them. As a result, candy such as lollipops, caramels, and cough drops that contain refined sugar are discouraged. The benefits of chocolate in terms of cavity prevention have been well publicised (largely by studies funded by the candy industry). This has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt. However, according to the American Dental Association, chocolate washes off the teeth more rapidly than other candy. Dark chocolate (70 percent cacao) does provide certain health advantages, according to several studies. According to several studies, chocolate is not as terrible for you as other sweet snacks.
- Foods that are starchy and may get caught in your mouth. Soft breads and potato chips, for example, might get stuck in between your teeth and cause pain.
- Soft drinks with carbonation. These beverages are the most common source of added sugar among children and adolescents. They include a lot of added sugar. Furthermore, most soft drinks include phosphoric and citric acids, which are known to erode dental enamel.
- Substance that cause your mouth to become dry. Among them are alcoholic beverages and a variety of medications. If medications are the source of the problem, speak with your dental care provider about using a fluoride rinse or a fluoride gel to clean your teeth after taking them.
Do these in order to maintain a healthy mouth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following recommendations to help minimise the risk of tooth decay caused by the foods you eat:
- Sugary foods should be consumed with meals. During meals, the saliva production in your mouth increases. This aids in the reduction of the effects of acid production as well as the removal of food particles from the mouth.
- Between-meal snacking should be kept to a minimum. If you're in the mood for a snack, go for something healthy. Consider eating sugarless gum thereafter to enhance saliva flow and flush away the food and acid that has been consumed.
- Drink plenty of water. Fluoridated water may assist in the prevention of tooth decay. Choose bottled water, but be sure you read the label to see how much fluoride is in it.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended.
- Floss once or twice a day.
